I wrote this short story in response to this music video. It was for a specific online purpose, but either I'm too computer illiterate or they were way too complicated. In either case, it didn't work out. But since I'd already written it, I didn't want to waste it. So I thought I'd put it here instead.
It was a question for the ages. One that could not possibly have an answer. But it still tormented me as I unlocked the door to my apartment and entered later that evening.
My thoughts had not been occupied with anything other than a contented peacefulness as I passed by that Santa display at the mall tonight. I was out with nothing to do but shop. I had a lifestyle and a bank account that gave me the privilege of buying exactly what I knew would be perfect for each of my loved ones. The mood in the mall had been festive and happy.
In a way I wanted to despise the little Scrooge who seemed to come from nowhere with his question and vanished to the same. What right did he have to ruin my holiday spirit? Was he a little demon sent to spread gloom and darkness into a world only trying to celebrate life, if just for the season? Or was he an angel sent with a warning that precluded our expectation of divine blessing?
My mind swarmed with endless possibilities. I gulped back the sense of dread that had started to become tangible as an aching in the back of my head and the pit of my stomach. I dropped my packages that only minutes before had been treasures and now seemed like dead weight on my soul.
I fell to the couch in despair.
“What’s wrong?”
I didn’t hear the whisper with my ears, but rather the tones swirled around my being as the softest summer breeze kissed by the sun.
He was there.
I sighed with relief as the tension began to lessen. Words tumbled from my mind one after another. “Jesus, where were you tonight? How can everyone be so happy and content to forget that all of this is for you? Is because of you?”
His spirit breathed peace to mine. “Dearest, I was there.”
“No one noticed. No one saw you. I don’t know if I can keep on living in a world that doesn’t want you. It scares me how often I don't even think about you.”
“You won’t have that problem forever. But now for a time I give them a chance. I stand waiting. I knock. I long for them to come to me. And you are my tangible proof of that yearning. Of my love.”
I thought about his gentle words; the truths he spoke came to me as if they had materialized out of the Bible that sat closed on the coffee table in front of me. I picked it up and held it close to my chest.
“Let me be your hands. Your voice. Let me make this Christmas a grand display of who you are.”
I paused, seeking his eyes that I could almost see.
“Even if no one comes. I’ll be there. And most importantly, Lord – You’ll be there.”
